Cameroon: Challenging But Worth The Experience Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

As mentioned before, the workload was very reading and writing intensive. Fortunately, many instructors are flexible and willing to work with students when the workload became too much (pushing back deadlines, grading easier, etc). In this respects, the educational system with SIT is easier than most universities. However, what made this study abroad experience stressful for me was the lack of internet and computer facilities.

On-site administration of your program

The program instructors in Cameroon were wonderful. Christiane, the program director, and Nathalie, the housing coordinator, were both extremely kind, understanding, and helpful. They were both always available whenever students needed them, and I was the most thankful for them. As far as weaknesses go, I would've preferred a larger program size with perhaps more interaction with Cameroonian students. I was disappointed that we didn't spend more time in classrooms at the University in Yaounde and the University in Dschang. Furthermore, I would've preferred a more classroom environment for our courses. The SIT office didn't have desks for students, so it wasn't the best learning environment. It would've also been nice to have had more computers with better internet.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was arranged by the program. All of my living arrangements were comfortable (I had my own room and bed in each one) and I didn't really need to buy any items to settle-in besides a mosquito net. I should note that one student encountered the uncomfortable problem in Ngaoundere of not only having to share a room but also a bed with her host sisters. When she brought it up to the director, it was kind of brushed off as "sometimes that happens" (although they did end up talking to the family and she had the bed to herself afterwards). If there isn't a single bed policy for students at SIT, I definitely think there should be one. I also think its important students have their own room (just for privacy and much needed alone time). I would say most my families treated me like a family member. There were some problems with my family in Yaounde (sometimes I felt excluded or unwanted), but I never wanted to insult the family and hurt their reputation by moving out (although I was given the opportunity when I brought up the problem with the housing coordinator).

Cameroon is not a vegetarian friendly place. As a strict vegetarian, it was difficult finding meals to eat (I pretty much ate the same couple meal for five months). Fortunately, SIT was as accomodating as they could be by placing me with host families who understood my diet restrictions, so I never had the problem of explaining vegetarianism to my families.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I enjoyed all the field trips we took as a group such as the beauty pageants, women's day parade, the chief's palace, and the caves and waterfalls.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had any safety issues or concerns while in Cameroon, however I was sick almost the entire time in Cameroon. Unfortunately, I have a weaker stomach than most students and everytime I ate food in a different city, I was sick for a day or two. Also near the end of the program, I also got malaria and spent three days in the hospital. The program instructors were unbelievably accomodating and helpful everytime I was sick. I always had the option of going to the hospital and seeing doctors. (When I had malaria, Nathalie slept on the floor of my hospital room and never left my side.)However I should note that while the local healthcare was accessible and available, it wasn't always the most comfortable. Sometimes I would have to wait in long lines outside in the heat and use toilet facilities which weren't always the most sanitary, but that's kind of what you have to expect in a developing country.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

There are so many opportunities to practice French in Cameroon! Since most Cameroonians are franchophone (and your host families are always franchophone), you're able to speak French in the classroom, out on the street, and at home. Depending on where you are in Cameroon (Bamenda is an anglophone region for example), you need to know a decent amount of French to get around. Not a lot of people speak English very well.

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